For many fans attending a Grand Rapids Griffins or Gold game as general spectators, ticket prices can feel expensive. However, college students and service members are often eligible for discounts that make attending games downtown more accessible.
Although students can receive free admission to on-campus sporting events – including football, basketball, soccer and baseball – simply by presenting a student ID, attending games off campus can be more complicated. However, students without cars, or those looking to save money on gas, can take the Laker Line to the Monroe/Louis Station. They can then walk about five minutes to Van Andel Arena.
Most Griffins and Gold games begin at 7 p.m., though earlier start times are sometimes scheduled on weekends. Select weekday games begin at 11 a.m., primarily to accommodate K-12 students attending educational field trips during school hours.
For GVSU students, both organizations offer promotional opportunities throughout the season. In addition to student ticket discounts, there are several attractions nearby that make attending games part of a broader downtown experience. During the winter months, Rosa Parks Circle hosts “The Great Skate,” an outdoor skating fundraiser for the Griffins. The city also serves as a cultural hub each fall during ArtPrize, an international art competition that draws thousands of visitors downtown.
Matt Batchelder, vice president of ticket sales and digital marketing for the Griffins and women’s professional volleyball team, the Grand Rapids Rise, emphasized the strength of the relationship between the Griffins and GVSU.
“The Griffins’ relationship with GVSU extends far beyond discounted tickets and promotional offers like Friday night beer specials and $2 hot dogs,” Batchelder said. “Together, we’ve partnered with various student clubs and organizations on meaningful fundraising initiatives, generating thousands of dollars annually through programs such as Throw for Dough and jersey auctions.”
Batchelder also highlighted how the partnership supports student involvement beyond attendance.
“Our collaboration also includes in-game entertainment opportunities for GVSU performance groups, such as the dance team, along with a strong commitment to education and career development through job shadowing, game-night panel discussions and executive guest lectures,” Batchelder said. “(This includes) serving as adjunct professors in sports business courses.”
He added that internship opportunities continue to strengthen the connection between the organizations.
“Our internship program has consistently provided GVSU students with hands-on, real-world experience, leading to highly successful job placement outcomes and further strengthening the connection between our organizations,” Batchelder said. “This partnership continues to deliver meaningful value to the GVSU community, both inside and outside the arena.”
The Gold recently concluded their 2025–26 season, but preparations are already underway for the 2026–27 season, which begins in November and may include updated student promotions. Brittney DeLand, director of marketing and public relations for the Gold, said college students received ticket discounts throughout the most recent season.
“Our season just wrapped up a few weeks ago, so the deals and discounts might change next season,” DeLand said. “This past season we had an exclusive college student link where students could get 20% off all Gold tickets.”
Although the Gold did not offer student-specific food and beverage promotions this season, several themed ticket deals were available:
- Tuesdays: Buy one, get one free tickets
- Thursdays and Fridays: $2 beer and $2 hot dogs
- Sundays: 99-cent ice cream and Pepsi products
Meanwhile, the Griffins have four games remaining in the regular season and currently hold a 49-18 record, placing them among the hottest teams in the American Hockey League. The team is preparing for the Calder Cup Playoffs as it pursues its third championship after previously winning titles in the 2012–13 and 2016–17 seasons.
Students interested in attending upcoming games can visit the Griffin’s website or the Grand Rapids Gold site for schedules, promotions and ticket information.
